Device for regulating blood flow

• US 20070288086A1
• Filed: 05/10/2007
• Published: 12/13/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Deep Vein Medical, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Deep Vein Medical, Inc.
• Inventors: Kalmann, Menno, Lehman, Adam, Hinchliffe, Peter
• Granted Patent: US 7,811,316 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/1.240
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2418 Scaffolds therefor, e.g. support stents
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2475 Venous valves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0008 elliptical or oval
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0054 V-shaped

Abstract

An elongated support dimensioned and configured for implantation in a blood vessel. The support has two axially spaced apart portions, which may be in the form of an expandable crown or a similar structure. At least one linking member connects the two portions to one another. A valve membrane is supported between the axially spaced apart portions. The valve membrane is adapted and configured for movement between a first position in which blood flow through the support is permitted and a second position in which blood flow through the support is inhibited.

Claims

1. An implantable device for regulating blood flow through a blood vessel, comprising:

a) an elongated support dimensioned and configured to be implanted in a blood vessel, the support including axially spaced apart first and second support portions, and at least one linking member connecting the axially spaced apart portions to one another; and

b) a valve membrane supported between the axially spaced apart support portions and adapted for movement between a first position in which blood flow through the support is permitted and a second position in which blood flow through the support is inhibited, in the second position the valve membrane having a convex outer surface and in the first position the valve membrane having a wavy shape.

2. An implantable device as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second portions are substantially annular and have a wavy configuration.

3. An implantable device as recited in claim 1, wherein the support is formed at least in part from a shape memory alloy material.

4. An implantable device as recited in claim 1, wherein the valve membrane is formed at least in part from PTFE.

5. An implantable device as recited in claim 1, wherein the valve membrane is coated at least in part with an anti-clotting agent.

6. An implantable device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a suture extending between the first support portion and the valve membrane.

7. An implantable device as recited in claim 1, wherein the suture is attached to a region of the membrane spaced from its edges to limit movement of the valve towards the first position.

8. An implantable device as recited in claim 1, wherein the membrane includes first and second flaps formed by a folded edge for attachment to the support portions.

9. An implantable device as recited in claim 1, wherein the second portion includes an indent in the support to form a gap to enable backflow of blood when the membrane is in the second position.

10. An implantable device as recited in claim 1, wherein the support is formed from a laser cut tube.

11. An implantable device as recited in claim 1, wherein the support is formed from at least one wire.

12. An implantable device for regulating blood flow through a blood vessel, comprising:

a) an elongated support dimensioned and configured to be implanted in a blood vessel, the support including first and second axially spaced apart portions and a curved linking member joining the first and second portions at about 90 degrees apart; and

b) a valve membrane supported between the axially spaced apart portions and adapted for movement between a first position in which blood flow through the support is permitted and a second position in which blood flow through the support is inhibited.

13. An implantable device as recited in claim 12, wherein the membrane includes a first body portion and a second narrower neck portion, the first body portion attached to the second support portion and the second neck portion attached to the first support portion.

14. An implantable device as recited in claim 13, wherein the neck portion includes a first flap formed by a folded edge of the membrane and the body portion includes a second flap formed by a folded edge for attachment to the support.

15. The implantable device of claim 13, wherein the neck portion has a length at least equal to the radius of the first support portion.

16. The implantable device of claim 13, wherein the neck portion extends upwardly and outwardly in an arc extending away from the body portion.

17. The implantable device of claim 12, wherein the support is formed from a laser cut tube.

18. An implantable device as recited in claim 12, wherein the first and second portions of the support form substantially ring-like members, and the support is formed from two wires, the first wire forming part of the first substantially ring like member and one linking member and the second wire forming part of the second substantially ring-like member and another linking member.

19. The implantable device of claim 12, wherein each of the rings has a wavy configuration.